I didn`t use my citibank AA card in Croatia, because I knew they were charging a 3% conversion fee. Instead, I used my credit union card that didn`t have all those fees. Now I`m off to Hawaii, so I called to tell them where I`d be, and they told me that they are now charging 3% on all transactions as a "conversion" fee. Just what is it they are converting? US$ to US$??? So now back to my credit union card again, that gives me no miles. I am ready to dump citibank AA.!!!

See my response on the airline board...betcha you spoke to an Indian customer service rep who had no idea Hawaii was part of the United States. I assure you they are not charging 3% on charges in Hawaii.

Well, I think you are right. I called citibank back again, and the person I talked to this time was as surprised as I was. She said there is no fee. Maybe the first person I talked to was from India. Wouldn`t surprise me, as I have talked to people in india about my juno account and also, travelocity, both in the last couple of weeks. Thanks!

Must be the same person we spoke to at UA who did not believe Wyoming was part of US.

Apparently only people who don't live in the US make "geography mistakes" is that it?

Intrepid1...

I find it much more likely that an Indian would not comprehend that Hawaii is not part of the United States and uses US dollars as its currency than an American.

Although I might add, several years ago I read in the newspapers of a person who called to apply for a credit card and when told the person lives in New Mexico, the representative told this person the credit card was only available to people living in the United States!

But that does not excuse Citibank from pulling jobs that are rightfully American for cheaper Indian labor. And it does lead to problems when a customer service rep is simply reciting the party line if the customer deviates one inch from the standard replies they are taught.

On principle, I refuse to be part of this garbage and always insist that I speak to an American customer service rep when dealing with Citibank.

Pat's post proves once again: Hawaii must have a separate forum!!

What currency do they have there?

Can I take a train to Hawaii?

And don't even start me on New Mexico!!

Train to Hawaii is slow and expensive. Best bet is renting a car in LA

Convertibles are fun...but bring plenty of sunscreen...and bottled water!

And of course driving that rental to Hawaii

That answer could have come from an old friend of mine. She had never been anywhere but she loved collecting foreign coins. When I was leaving for my trip to HI, everyone was telling me to bring back candy, calendars, etc. When I asked my friend what to bring for her, she said, "Just bring me some Hawaiian coins." The entire room burst into laughter, and she had no idea what was so funny. I felt badly for her.

xyz123 - I am with you and sick to death of talking to foreign custormer service reps for "American" companies. In the past few weeks I have talked to India, Canada and Jamaica. It is getting out of control.

Are you saing Canada is a foreign country? They speak English there!

Ok...so my friend recently called for show tickets and the person on the phone asked her where she was from and my friend responded with "well, I am originally from South Dakota" and the person on the phone said "I knew it...I knew you were from the south somewhere!!" This person was an American and lived/works right here on the "mainland"!!

Oh my, you had to talk to a Canadian?? Our deepest sympathies.

Atila...

You forgot the eh at the end of the setence eh.

Oh ya eh? My mistake. Gotta run, my Molson is getting warm and my back bacon is getting cold eh?!?!

You might want to consider changing to a cash reimbursement instead of the ff miles.

We have a Citi bank card that pays 5% cash back on groceries, pharmaceuticals and gasoline charges. We only had the card a few months last year, but received the $3oo maximum and opened another card to earn some additional $$!

I like that I don't have to haggle with anyone about it...as I hear ff miles are a real nightmare to try to use sometimes! The cash is ours to spend however we'd like!

Belle

Well P_M, you should go apologise to your friend...There are Hawaiian coins! Haven't been the legal tender in the last hundred years or so, but they do exist and are easy to buy!

lcuy, I learn something new on this board every day. What I have learned today is that I failed to bring my friend the souvenier she wanted. Therefore I must return to Hawaii ASAP and get it for her.

Aloha!!